Photo: TJ Da DJ TV
Photo: TJ Da DJ TV
Photo: Basilio Thrasher
Harper's Choice Community Association at Kahler Hall
★4.4(262 reviews)$Theater
🕑 Most children's performances run 60-90 minutes including intermission👶 Best for ages 3-12. Preschoolers and early elementary kids particularly enjoy the colorful children's theater productions, while older elementary-aged children appreciate the more sophisticated family performances and cultural shows. Most productions are designed to hold younger attention spans with interactive elements and shorter run times.🧡 Saved by 90+ families
About
Harper's Choice Community Association at Kahler Hall brings professional-quality theater right to your doorstep in Columbia, offering everything from beloved children's theater classics to multicultural performances in an intimate, kid-friendly setting. With a varied seasonal lineup designed specifically with families in mind, this local gem provides an affordable alternative to downtown theater venues while maintaining high production values that keep kids engaged from curtain up to final bow.
Highlights
- ✓High-quality children's theater productions with professional or semi-professional actors
- ✓Intimate venue where kids feel close to the action and can see performers' expressions clearly
- ✓Diverse programming including puppet shows, musicals, and multicultural performances
- ✓Family-friendly atmosphere where audience interaction is welcomed
- ✓Affordable ticket prices that make live theater accessible for families on any budget
Pro Tips
- 1.Book tickets early for popular children's shows as the intimate theater setting means limited seating and performances often sell out
- 2.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to find parking and let kids use the restroom before showtime - once the performance starts, exits can be disruptive in the smaller venue
- 3.Check their website for sensory-friendly or relaxed performances if you have children with special needs or younger toddlers who might need more flexibility
- 4.Pack a small, quiet activity or snack for intermission to keep little ones occupied between acts
- 5.Sit toward the aisle if you have very young children in case you need to step out quickly
Best Time to Visit
Weekend matinee performances (typically Saturday and Sunday afternoons) are ideal for families, as they work better with nap schedules and bedtimes. Fall and spring seasons typically offer the most robust family programming, with special holiday shows in December being particularly magical.
What to Know
Tickets are generally affordable compared to major theater venues, and the community association offers various membership benefits. Ample free parking is available on-site, and the venue is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Seasonal Notes
Programming follows a traditional theater season from fall through spring with a lighter summer schedule. December features special holiday-themed productions that are extremely popular. Check the seasonal schedule in advance as performances are typically scheduled for specific weekends rather than daily showings.
Nearby Eats
The nearby Columbia Mall food court offers numerous quick kid-friendly options just 5 minutes away, or visit Clyde's of Columbia for a sit-down family meal with an extensive kids' menu in a casual atmosphere.
More Activities Near Columbia
Theater
Toby's Dinner Theatre
★4.7$$❤️45
Toby's Dinner Theatre offers a magical combination of Broadway-quality musicals and a full buffet meal, creating an unforgettable introduction to live theater for children. The intimate theater-in-the-round setup means kids are close to the action, keeping them engaged throughout the show while enjoying a delicious dinner,no need to juggle separate reservations!
Activity
Bounce U Columbia
$$
Bounce U Columbia is an indoor inflatable wonderland that keeps kids actively entertained no matter what the weather brings. With multiple bounce houses, exciting slides, and challenging obstacle courses all under one roof, it's the perfect solution for burning energy on rainy days, sweltering summer afternoons, or chilly winter weekends.
Park
Centennial Park
★4.7Free❤️59
Centennial Park is a spectacular 550-acre outdoor playground that offers something for every family member. With a designated lake swimming area, multiple hiking trails winding through woods and meadows, well-maintained playgrounds, and even a dog beach for four-legged family members, this expansive park is perfect for families who want to spend quality time outdoors without traveling far from Columbia.
Park
Wilde Lake Park
★4.7Free❤️12
Wilde Lake Park is a family favorite in Columbia offering something for every age with its well-maintained tot lots, scenic 1-mile lake loop perfect for stroller walks or teaching kids to bike, and wide-open fields ideal for frisbee or kite flying. The peaceful lakeside setting creates a perfect backdrop for everything from casual picnics to energetic afternoon play sessions, while the nature areas provide opportunities for spotting ducks, geese, and turtles that kids absolutely love.